This topic contains 7 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by colin 5 years, 6 months ago.
-
Posts
-
Colin, perhaps my video can help too https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kf6CGj7xpFE
Hi Charles (et al),
I’ve just reread what is on the site and watched your video again. I wonder whether the following may help.
I’ve got a 2 bing system at my allotments and the older bing has been maturing compost for the last 9 months. It was a reasonable mixture of brown and green, was turned about April and watered as it was way too dry (London weather), and had been sulking, but fortunately started to heat up after the turn. It then went up to 60ish C. After a dry May I capped it with a good 3″ layer of well rotted horse manure which had a fantastic population of small red worms in it. My theory was that it would help the heap retain the moisture which this summer did its level best to remove. Thinking about it, I wondered if the worms would work downwards as the heap cooled, would spread bacteria and promote soil biodiversity which hot compost may have killed off. I’ve not seen any literature about this. My heaps are exposed to the elements and made of the ubiquitous three pallets and a removable fourth side. There is no top.
So the question is… do you think this is a worthwhile move, or was it just occupational therapy for me?
PS
I have broad shoulders so can take criticism 🙂Hey Neil your compost creating sounds brilliant.
Yes too much heat is not so beneficial, and I am guilty of that.
Biodynamic people like cooler heaps for extra fungi and microbes (though maybe more weed seedlings) so basically we have choices.
In practice it’s about how much time & space & materials you have at any time of year. Plus moisture and in your case I would line the pallets with thick cardboard on the inside, as you build up/fill the heap, to conserve moisture and warmth.
Keep us informed of progress!Good idea, lining to keep in the moisture. Thanks Charles.
Makes me think of your ethos of learning the principles so they can be applied in different scenarios…
BR
Neil
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.